Join

Updated: Manassas police officer shoots 18-year-old following pursuit

A Manassas police officer shot an 18-year-old at a Prince William County park following a pursuit. 

We’re working to get more information to include the circumstances that led to the shooting, and when and where the pursuit began 

Prince William police are now investigating “criminal aspect of this shooting” and released this information today: 

Officer Involved Shooting [Manassas City Police] – Currently Prince William County police are investigating a Manassas City Police involved shooting which occurred at George Hellwig Memorial Park located at 14420 Bristow Rd in Manassas (20112).

The preliminary investigation revealed Manassas City Police initially responded to investigate a report of shots fired within the city limits. Manassas City officers located a vehicle possibly involved in the initial call and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to stop for officers and a pursuit ensued.

Manassas City Police pursued the vehicle into Prince William County where it eventually stopped inside the park. During the incident, the driver of the vehicle, identified as an 18-year-old man, was shot by Manassas City police officers. No officers were injured during the encounter. Officers rendered aide to the driver until Fire and Rescue arrived. The driver was flown to an area hospital with serious injuries. A juvenile passenger was also inside the vehicle at the time of the incident and was unharmed. Prince William County Police

Officers rendered aide to the driver until Fire and Rescue arrived. The driver was flown to an area hospital with serious injuries. A juvenile passenger was also inside the vehicle at the time of the incident and was unharmed. Prince William County Police were not involved in the initial pursuit or the shooting.

Due to the location of the shooting, Prince William County Police are investigating the criminal aspect of this shooting. Manassas City Police Internal Affairs are handling the administrative aspect of the incident. More information will be released when available.

Updated

From Manassas City spokeswoman Patty Prince: 

The call came into Prince William at 12:40 a.m. And was transferred to MCPD.

The pursuit began on Grant Ave.

MCPD responded to shots fired.  Officers found the suspect car and attempted a traffic stop.  The car did not stop and a pursuit ensued.  Officers followed the vehicle out of the City and pursuit ended at George Hellwig Memorial Park.  The suspect did have a weapon and was shot by officers.

Both MCPD and Prince William officers rendered aid to the suspect who was flown to a nearby hospital.  Investigation continues.

Updated 2 p.m. 

More from Prince Willaim police: 

On May 19 at 12:40AM, the Prince William County Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC) received a 9-1-1 call from someone reporting a shooting involving a vehicle which was allegedly occurring in the area of Grant Ave in the City of Manassas. Upon learning the incident was occurring in Manassas City, the call was transferred to their dispatch for police response.

The caller provided a description of the vehicle which was located by Manassas City police officers who then attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated which entered Prince William County. Prince William County police were notified of the pursuit at approximately 1:09AM.

During the pursuit, two Manassas City police cruisers were struck by the suspect vehicle. The pursuit continued to George Hellwig Memorial Park located at 14420 Bristow Rd in Manassas (20112) where the driver struck a tree and light post. The driver eventually stopped the vehicle in a parking lot within the park and exited.

During a confrontation with Manassas City officers, shots were fired by police and the suspect was struck. Prince William County officers arrived on scene shortly after the shooting. Officers from both agencies rendered aid to the suspect until Fire and Rescue personnel arrived.

The suspect, identified as an 18-year-old man, was flown to an area hospital with serious injuries and is expected to survive. A firearm was recovered at the scene and was determined to a replica BB-gun. (Police tell Potomac Local whether or not the BB gun was a working or non-working gun remains under investigation).

A 15-year-old female juvenile was inside the vehicle at the time of the incident and was unharmed. The juvenile was later determined to be a runaway from the Woodbridge area and was reunited with her family.

No officers were injured during this incident. Prince William County Police were not involved in the initial pursuit or the shooting. While reviewing the initial 9-1-1 call made to Prince William County PSCC, detectives learned that the suspect shot by police was the individual who placed that call and provided a description of his own vehicle.

No actual shooting was determined to have taken place in Manassas City. Due to the location of the shooting, Prince William County Police are investigating the criminal aspect of this shooting.

Manassas City Police Internal Affairs are handling the administrative aspect of the incident. At this point in the investigation, no charges have been filed. More information will be released when available.

Recent Stories

The mother of a former student at North Stafford High School has filed a lawsuit against the county school division seeking $15 million in compensatory damages, alleging failure to protect her child.

Virginia is beginning to experience some of the impacts from the cargo ship crash that brought down Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, closing a vital shipping lane leading to one of the eastern seaboard’s busiest ports.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger was in Stafford County on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 to tout her efforts to bring federal dollars to the district.

Route 1 is closed at Port Potomac in Woodbridge, near Cardinal Drive. 

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Dreaming of small-town charm with big-city convenience? Look no further than 7156 Main St in Clifton, Virginia! Nestled just 30 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., this picturesque property offers the best of both worlds.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find tranquility in this quaint, historic town. With its tree-lined streets and friendly community atmosphere, Clifton is the perfect place to call home. Yet, with its close proximity to the nation’s capital, you’ll never be far from the excitement and opportunities of urban living.

Imagine weekends exploring local shops, dining at charming cafes, and enjoying outdoor adventures in nearby parks. Then, commute to D.C. for work or play, soaking in all the culture, entertainment, and career opportunities the city has to offer.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 32nd Annual Van Metre 5K Run, a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, and every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and

×

Subscribe to our mailing list